Are GS500 bar ends the same, as the bar ends on let's say a Gixxer or an R6 or something??

yes I put on a set of lockhart phillips and they fit fine on my 01

I bought the Lockfart Phillips too and I think they cost me a whopping $9.99.

They had some at my local Suzuki dealer.  Pretty common item at bike shops.

No TeBo, stock bar ends vary widely. The Gixxer and R1 ends won't directly fit. The Lockhart Phillips fit because they are a universal end. They widen as the nut is turned to fit any bike. They will not fit alluminum bars though. Even though they are 7/8ths inch bars, they are thicker which makes the inside smaller. I found this out the hard way and had to modify.

 -Anti